Night Scented Tobacco, Nicotiana alata

The Night Scented Stock typically grows to a height of 8 to 18 inches, forming dense clusters of slender, lance-shaped leaves. Its most distinctive feature is its clustered, four-petaled flowers, which come in a range of pastel colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. These blooms open in the late afternoon and release a sweet, intoxicating scent that intensifies after the sun sets.

Historical Information: Night Scented Stock has a rich horticultural history and has been cultivated for its fragrance and ornamental qualities for centuries. The genus Matthiola is named after Pietro Andrea Mattioli, an Italian physician and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of herbal medicine during the Renaissance. The Night Scented Stock has been a beloved choice for gardens, particularly in Europe, where it has been cultivated and appreciated for its evening aroma.

Fun Facts:

1. Aromatherapy: The fragrance of Night Scented Stock is often used in aromatherapy for its soothing and calming properties. The scent is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

2. Edible Flowers: While Night Scented Stock is primarily grown for its beauty and fragrance, its delicate flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails.

Materials and Steps to Grow Night Scented Stock from Seeds:

Materials Needed:

• Night Scented Stock seeds
• Seedling trays or small pots
• Seed starting mix
• Watering can or misting bottle
• A sunny location or grow lights
• Well-draining soil
• Garden gloves (optional)
• Fertilizer (optional)

Steps:

1. Seed Preparation: Night Scented Stock seeds generally do not require any special preparation. They can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors.

2. Sowing Seeds: Fill seedling trays or small pots with a seed starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and gently press them down. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they require light to germinate.

3. Location: Place the trays or pots in a sunny location or under grow lights. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You can use a misting bottle to water the seeds initially, and then gradually transition to a watering can with a fine spray.

5. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size (about 2-3 inches), transplant them to their final location in your garden, ensuring well-draining soil.

6. Fertilizing (optional): You may choose to fertilize the plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can impact the fragrance and the overall health of the plant.

Uses: Night Scented Stock is a delightful addition to any garden with various uses:

• Ornamental: Its fragrant, evening blooms make it a beautiful addition to gardens, especially those designed for evening enjoyment.
• Cut Flowers: The aromatic flowers are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements, bringing their sweet scent indoors.
• Aromatherapy: The scent of Night Scented Stock is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and stress-reducing properties.

Medicinal Benefits: While Night Scented Stock is not widely known for medicinal applications, its aromatic properties have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their soothing qualities. The fragrance is believed to have a calming effect and may be used to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for mood enhancement. However, it is not typically ingested or used for more serious medical purposes. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.

***This information is not intended to be used as a diagnosis.  Caution should be exercised when considering any medicinal use, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.